Federal law requires most employers to display certain labor law posters where employees can see them. Fines apply, and — worse — poster scams target small businesses constantly. Here’s the real list.
General information only — confirm your obligations with the DOL or an employment attorney.
Federal posters most small businesses need
- FLSA / Minimum Wage poster — explains federal minimum wage and overtime rights. Required for virtually every employer.
- EEO “Know Your Rights” poster — summarizes anti-discrimination protections. Required for employers with 15+ employees (and federal contractors).
- FMLA poster — required for employers with 50+ employees.
- EPPA (Employee Polygraph Protection Act) poster — required for most private employers.
- OSHA “Job Safety and Health” poster — required for nearly all private employers.
- USERRA poster — informs employees of military service rights. Required for all employers.
If you’re enrolled in E-Verify, you must also display the E-Verify and Right to Work posters.
State posters
Nearly every state requires additional posters — minimum wage (if higher than federal), workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, payday notices, and more. Check your state labor agency’s website; most offer free downloads.
Where and how to display
- Post in a conspicuous place where employees regularly pass — break room, near the time clock, by the entrance.
- Posters must be readable — not behind a door or in a locked office.
- If you have employees who don’t read English, post translated versions where the DOL provides them.
- Remote workers: DOL guidance allows electronic posting for fully remote employees if it’s as effective as a physical posting — e.g., a dedicated, always-accessible intranet page or routine email distribution.
Don’t pay for posters
All federal posters are free from the Department of Labor’s website. Companies selling “2026 compliant poster sets” for hundreds of dollars are selling you something you can print yourself. The only thing you might reasonably pay for is a combined state-and-federal laminated set for convenience — never out of fear from a threatening sales letter.
Penalties
Poster violations carry fines that vary by statute — and missing posters can extend the time employees have to file certain claims. It’s a cheap thing to get right.
Download the free federal posters from dol.gov, grab your state’s set, put them up this week, and check the HR compliance basics in our Starter Kit.